South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20I - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: Sri Lanka tour of South Africa, 2016-17 Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion Date & Time: Jan 20, 06:00 PM LOCAL

Dickwella provides just the start Sri Lanka were after © Cricbuzz

As much as the Test whitewash would have hurt, this is Sri Lanka's chance to press the reset button and turn the tour around as we get set for the first T20I at Centurion. It won't be easy. The visitors are coming off a six-game losing run in the shortest format. But some fresh minds, fresh faces and a fresh outlook should help. In fact, that appears to be the theme for this game - freshness. Hosts South Africa themselves are expected to feature as many as six debutants. This is also the first T20I being played between these two teams in the Rainbow Nation. Lest I forget, this is Sri Lanka's first limited overs game since Dilshan's retirement. Wasn't he a handy player!

I, Sagar Chawla, will be there with you throughout the contest, chipping in with regular updates. Do send your tweets @SagarChawla90 to get involved and maybe spark an insightful conversation.

Sri Lanka win the toss, opt to bowl. Thikshila de Silva to make his international debut. South Africa have five debutants in their line-up.

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19 runs plundered off the eighth over from Mathews. There's been no respite for Sri Lanka at all so far.

Mosehle carves Kulasekara over the covers to strike his first ball in international cricket for a six. Has that ever happened? Do tell (tweet) if you have any clue. You know the handle.

Miller, Behardien provide a rollicking finish after the quickfire start. Sri Lanka up against it. They'll have to do something really special to break their losing run in T20Is.

Sri Lanka have actually outscored South Africa in the first 3 overs, and they've done that without losing a wicket. South Africa were 37/2, Sri Lanka are 40/0.

Imran Tahir removes both Sri Lankan openers in a single over. Then Phangiso strikes in the very next over. The spinners are doing it for South Africa.

Seekkuge Prasanna, however, has different ideas. Two balls, and two massive sixers, but that's about that from Prasanna. In the very next over, the right-hander edges behind to the keeper. Advantage South Africa.

Sri Lanka need a miracle here. 27 off the final over. This will be the stuff of dreams, should they pull it off.